DOCSLIB.ORG

Management of Prosopis Juliflora Through Chemicals: a Case Study in India

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Management of Prosopis Juliflora Through Chemicals: a Case Study in India Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online) Vol.5, No.23, 2015 Management of Prosopis juliflora through Chemicals: A Case Study in India U. K. Shanwad 1 B. M. Chittapur 2 S. N. Honnalli 3 I. Shankergoud 4 Tegegnework Gebremedhin 5 1. Scientist (Agronomy), Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences Raichur 584 104 Karnataka State (India) 2. Director of Research, University of Agricultural Sciences Raichur 584 104 Karnataka State (India) 3. Assistant Professor (Department of Agronomy), College of Agriculture, Bheemarayanagudi, Karnataka State (India) 4. Associate Director of Research, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur 584 104 Karnataka State (India) 5.Department of Plant Sciences, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia Abstract Prosopis juliflora is popularly known as Honey Mesquite in the western world, commonly known as mesquite in India and popularly known as Bellary Jali in Karnataka. Prosopis is fast growing, salt-tolerant and drought- tolerant trees that can grow in an areas receiving as little as 50 mm of rainfall per year. This is a rhizomatous perennial weed dominating an important part of productive agricultural lands in most of the developing countries including India. It tolerates traditional methods of weed control such as soil solarisation and mechanical methods. This study was carried out to manage this weed with the available herbicides on cultivated land at the Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences Campus, Raichur in Karnataka State in southern India during 2009 to 2011. Several easily available herbicides were used including Mera – 71 (Glyphosate), Paraquat, 2, 4-D amine and ester, Diuron, Keroscene and Coaltar as individual chemicals with different concentrations and combination of chemicals were also tried. The study results reveal that all treatments except diuron / keroscene / coaltar conmbinations reduced growth and development of Prosopis juliflora. Mera-71, 2, 4-D ester followed by paraquat were the best in affecting weed recovery. Results also indicates that the control of regrowth of Prosopis juliflora is effectively achieved by two times applications of systemic translocated herbicides such as Mera-71 (Glyphosate) and 2,4- found better as compared to paraquat, diuron and other farmer practices. Keywords: Prosopis juliflora , Mangement, Glyphosate, 2,4-D, Paraquat, Diuron, Keroscene Introduction Exotic plant species have been purposely and/or accidentally introduced throughout the world due to their economic, environmental or aesthetic values. Nonetheless, introduction of new species is not always a success and brings about the possibility of invasiveness of the species which in turn result in negative impacts (economic, environmental and social). Encroachment of rangelands by invasive species, reduction of crop yield, genetic erosion of biodiversity, disruption of water flow, poisoning of livestock, formation of impenetrable thickets, etc are some of the impacts of invasive species across a wide range of agro-ecologies. There are many species in the genus Prosopis like Prosopis juliflora, Prosopis pallida, Prosopis chilensis, Prosopis alba, Prosopis pubescens and Prosopis tamarugo are all species that are native to the America, but have now become established in arid and semiarid Australia, Africa and Asia. Prosopis cinerarium is native to India, while Prosopis africana is native to the Sahelian belt of Africa (Ahmed et al. , 2009). Prosopis is a fast growing, salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant tree that can grow in an areas receiving as little as 50 mm of rainfall per year. There is great controversy surrounding Prosopis juliflora , if it is unmanaged, it often colonizes, eroded and over-grazed lands, forming dense impenetrable thickets. Thickets of Prosopis juliflora have become established in grazing lands, crop lands and along river courses, alarming pastoralists, farmers and conservationists. There is a great concern on the impacts of the tree on biodiversity of native plants and on the amount of water in dryland streams. Prosopis species have been declared noxious weeds in many countries, including Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and Sudan (Al-Sherif, 2007) and P. juliflora is now one of the top global invasive plant species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). On the other hand, Prosopis juliflora has proved useful in restoring degraded and saline lands, producing a variety of useful products for the local populations. Prosopis juliflora has potential as a source of fuel wood, timber, honey and animal forage. Prosopis juliflora was introduced in India in the last century and was thought to be a very promising species for aforestation of dry and degraded land. However, its environmental benefits and economic potential are increasingly overshadowed by some of its undesirable properties. But it cannot be kept uncontrolled as it occupied the cultivable area if not properly controlled, thereby giving a big threat to the Indian agriculture. The experiences from other countries shows that control of Prosopis is extremely difficult and costly to eradicate once it take root. Hence, it is an urgent need to find out the ways and means of controlling this menace. In this direction, a research study was conducted at the Main Agriculture Research Station, 30 Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online) Vol.5, No.23, 2015 University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka to know the effect of selective herbicides on Prosopis juliflora. Material and methods Experiments were conducted during 2009 to 2011 at MARS, UAS Raichur (Figure 1) on medium to deep black cotton soils (vertisols). The different stem thickness of Prosopis juliflora plants have been selected in three different sites as per the technical programme. Four different available herbicides namely glyphosate, 2, 4-D, paraquat and diuron were sprayed with different concentration as well as smeared the cut portion of the Prosopis juliflora with the help of cotton web. Apart from this the farmer practices like spraying kerosene, hot salt water and burning the plant and applying the coaltar to the cut portion of the plant were also tried. Evaluations were conducted after nine months of first spray to allow sufficient time for herbicidal action to be completed and resprouting to occur. Within each spot 20 to 25 individual Prosopis juliflora plants were examined based on the stem girth size and grouped in to 3 stem size classes: < 1 cm = class I : 1-2 cm = class II and > 2 cm = class III. The number of basal supporting stems was counted for each plant. Stems were considered independent if branching occurred within 15 cm above ground level. Trees were grouped arbitrarily into 3 stem number categories for statistical analysis 1 to 2 stems = single stemmed; 3 to 5 stems = few-stemmed; and > 6 stems = many stemmed. After nine months of second application stem and root of Prosopis juliflora were studied to know the effect of the applied herbicides on the plant internal system. Some of the chemicals have shown effective results on xylem and phloem activities and also hinders the root system. Data were processed by analysis of variance used percent plant mortality for each stem number class by stem thickness class and plot within a treatment as a data point. Percentage data were calculated (arcsin √x) and prior to analysis interactions were evaluated for stem number class x stem thickness class, stem number class X herbicide, and stem thickness class X herbicides, stem number class X Stem thickness class X herbicide, and each combination. Results Growth and development of Prosopis juliflora varied with different herbicides applications (Table 1 & 2). Mera- 71 (Glyphosate and 2, 4- D) were almost twice as effective as paraquat and 3 times as effective as Diuron. Combination of herbicides (Mera-71 and 2, 4- D) controls the Prosopis juliflora growth better than the individual application. Plant stem thickness (indirectly indicates age) of Prosopis juliflora also influenced by the different herbicides formulations. The higher concentrations of herbicides have more effective than the lower concentrations. Early stage plants (stem thickness size < 1 cm and 1-2 cm) are more susceptible to herbicides effect than the later stage plants (>2cm stem thickness) Prosopis juliflora susceptibility to different herbicides was strongly influenced by individual tree stem number. Resistance increased proportionally with increasing stem numbers, averaging 46 - 60, 30 - 40 and 10 - 30 % for single, few and many stemmed trees. Among the herbicides Mera-71 @ 40 gm/ltr followed by 2,4-D @10 gm/ltr found to be effective than the paraquat @ 30 ml/ltr and diuron @ 5 gm/ltr across all stem thickness sizes (Table 3). Among the methods of applications of herbicides, smearing the herbicide to cut portion of Prosopis juliflora found better than the spraying method especially in aged plants. But in early stage plants both methods found better. Similarly with in each stem thickness class by herbicides, resistance increased with increasing stem number, illustrating why interactions among herbicides, plant stem thickness and stem number were insignificant. Although efficacy for any particular herbicide fluctuated with the different tests, single stemmed trees were consistently more susceptible than either few or many stemmed plants of Prosopis juliflora
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Global Journal of Science Frontier Research : N Iornment & Arth Science
    Online ISSN : 2249-4626 Print ISSN : 0975-5896 DOI : 10.17406/GJSFR ObtainingofNanoGold EffectsofClimateVariability SustainableWasteManagement BanniGrasslandSocio-Ecosystem VOLUME21ISSUE3VERSION1.0 Global Journal of Science Frontier Research : H E nv iornment & E arth Science Global Journal of Science Frontier Research : H E nv iornment & E arth Science Volume 21 Issue 3 (Ver. 1.0) Open Association of Research Society Global Journals Inc. © Global Journal of Science (A Delaware USA Incorporation with “Good Standing”; Reg. Number: 0423089) Frontier Research. 2021 . Sponsors:Open Association of Research Society Open Scientific Standards All rights reserved. This is a special issue published in version 1.0 Publisher’s Headquarters office of “Global Journal of Science Frontier Research.” By Global Journals Inc. Global Journals ® Headquarters All articles are open access articles distributed 945th Concord Streets, under “Global Journal of Science Frontier Research” Framingham Massachusetts Pin: 01701, Reading License, which permits restricted use. United States of America Entire contents are copyright by of “Global USA Toll Free: +001-888-839-7392 Journal of Science Frontier Research” unless USA Toll Free Fax: +001-888-839-7392 otherwise noted on specific articles. No part of this publication may be reproduced Offset Typesetting or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including Global Journals Incorporated photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written 2nd, Lansdowne, Lansdowne Rd., Croydon-Surrey, permission. Pin: CR9 2ER, United Kingdom The opinions and statements made in this book are those of the authors concerned. Packaging & Continental Dispatching Ultraculture has not verified and neither confirms nor denies any of the foregoing and no warranty or fitness is implied.
    [Show full text]
  • Of the Riparian Corridor in Big Bend National Park 1
    Terrestrial Mammals of the Riparian Corridor in Big Bend National Park 1 William J. Boeer and David J. Schmidly2 Abstract.--Thirty species of terrestrial mammals inhabit riparian habitats in Big Bend National Park (BBNP), but only one species (the beaver, Castor canadensis) is restricted to these areas. Major changes in the vegetation during the past 30 years, involving an increase in basal and canopy cover, have resulted in the elimination of at least one species (Dipodomys ordii) from the river corridor as well as increased abundance and distribution for two other species (Sigmodon hispidus and Peromyscus leucopus). Compared to the other major plant communities in BBNP, the rodent fauna of the riparian community has lower evenness, richness, and diversity indices (based on the Shannon-Weaver Index). Humqn use and trespass livestock grazing are the major impacts acting upon the natural riparian communities in BBNP today. INTRODUCTION DESCRIPTION OF THE RIPARIAN CORRIDOR Mammalian studies of the Big Bend area began Floodplain or riparian vegetation exists with general surveys (Bailey 1905; Johnson 1936; wherever periodic flooding occurs along the Borell and Bryant 1942; and Taylor et al. 1944) Rio Grande in BBNP. These riparian communities designed to identify and document the varied vary from areas a few meters (m) wide to areas fauna of the area. After the park was esta­ extending inland a distance of one kilometer blished, the perspective of mammalian research (km); furthermore, adjacent arroyos and creeks changed somewhat and in recent years studies may carry enough surface or ground water to have concentrated on mammalian autecology and produce a similar floodplain environment.
    [Show full text]
  • Mapping Prosopis Glandulosa (Mesquite) Invasion in the Arid Environment of South Africa Using Remote Sensing Techniques
    Mapping Prosopis glandulosa (mesquite) invasion in the arid environment of South Africa using remote sensing techniques NYASHA FLORENCE MURERIWA 0604748V Supervisor: Dr Elhadi Adam A dissertation submitted to the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Sciences March 2016 Johannesburg South Africa Abstract Decades after the first introduction of the Prosopis spp. (mesquite) to South Africa in the late 1800s for its benefits, the invasive nature of the species became apparent as its spread in regions of South Africa resulting in devastating effects to biodiversity, ecosystems and the socio- economic wellbeing of affected regions. Various control and management practices that include biological, physical, chemical and integrated methods have been tested with minimal success as compared to the rapid spread of the species. From previous studies, it has been noted that one of the reasons for the low success rates in mesquite control and management is a lack of sufficient information on the species invasion dynamic in relation to its very similar co-existing species. In order to bridge this gap in knowledge, vegetation species mapping techniques that use remote sensing methods need to be tested for the monitoring, detection and mapping of the species spread. Unlike traditional field survey methods, remote sensing techniques are better at monitoring vegetation as they can cover very large areas and are time-effective and cost- effective. Thus, the aim of this research was to examine the possibility of mapping and spectrally discriminating Prosopis glandulosa from its native co-existing species in semi-arid parts of South Africa using remote sensing methods.
    [Show full text]
  • Taxonomic Revision of Genus Prosopis L. in Egypt
    International Journal of Environment Volume : 04 | Issue : 01 | Jan-Mar. | 2015 ISSN: 2077-4508 Pages: 13-20 Taxonomic revision of genus Prosopis L. in Egypt Abd El Halim A. Mohamed and Safwat A. Azer Flora and Phytotaxonomy Researches Department, Horticultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to survey the new record invasive alien Prosopis juliflora and clarifies the taxonomic relationships among genus Prosopis L. in Egypt. The wild species are Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) Macbride and Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. The cultivated species are Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce; Prosopis glandulosa Torr. and Prosopis strombulifera (Lam.) Benth. Based on morphological traits, the numerical analysis divided the Prosopis species into three clusters. Cluster one included: Prosopis glandulosa and Prosopis juliflora. Cluster two included: Prosopis farcta and Prosopis cineraria. Cluster three included: Prosopis strombulifera. According to the degree of similarity, the species of cluster one had the highest ratio (75%) followed by (55.6%) between the species of cluster two. Moreover, the highest ratio (33.3%) was recorded between Prosopis strombulifera and Prosopis juliflora, while the lowest ratio (20.8%) was recorded between Prosopis strombulifera and Prosopis cineraria. This work recoded Prosopis juliflora to the Flora of Egypt. Key words: Taxonomy, Prosopis, alien species, numerical analysis, similarity level, Egypt. Introduction The genus Prosopis L. belongs to the family Leguminosae, subfamily Mimosoideae, tribe Mimosae (Burkart, 1976; Sherry et al., 2011). It comprises 44 species and five sections based on observed morphological differences among studied taxa (Burkart, 1976). The five sections included: Prosopis; Anonychium; Strombocarpa; Monilicarpa and Algarobia (Burkart, 1976; Landeras et al., 2004; Elmeer and Almalki, 2011).
    [Show full text]
  • The Prosopis Juliflora - Prosopis Pallida Complex: a Monograph
    DFID DFID Natural Resources Systems Programme The Prosopis juliflora - Prosopis pallida Complex: A Monograph NM Pasiecznik With contributions from P Felker, PJC Harris, LN Harsh, G Cruz JC Tewari, K Cadoret and LJ Maldonado HDRA - the organic organisation The Prosopis juliflora - Prosopis pallida Complex: A Monograph NM Pasiecznik With contributions from P Felker, PJC Harris, LN Harsh, G Cruz JC Tewari, K Cadoret and LJ Maldonado HDRA Coventry UK 2001 organic organisation i The Prosopis juliflora - Prosopis pallida Complex: A Monograph Correct citation Pasiecznik, N.M., Felker, P., Harris, P.J.C., Harsh, L.N., Cruz, G., Tewari, J.C., Cadoret, K. and Maldonado, L.J. (2001) The Prosopis juliflora - Prosopis pallida Complex: A Monograph. HDRA, Coventry, UK. pp.172. ISBN: 0 905343 30 1 Associated publications Cadoret, K., Pasiecznik, N.M. and Harris, P.J.C. (2000) The Genus Prosopis: A Reference Database (Version 1.0): CD ROM. HDRA, Coventry, UK. ISBN 0 905343 28 X. Tewari, J.C., Harris, P.J.C, Harsh, L.N., Cadoret, K. and Pasiecznik, N.M. (2000) Managing Prosopis juliflora (Vilayati babul): A Technical Manual. CAZRI, Jodhpur, India and HDRA, Coventry, UK. 96p. ISBN 0 905343 27 1. This publication is an output from a research project funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) for the benefit of developing countries. The views expressed are not necessarily those of DFID. (R7295) Forestry Research Programme. Copies of this, and associated publications are available free to people and organisations in countries eligible for UK aid, and at cost price to others. Copyright restrictions exist on the reproduction of all or part of the monograph.
    [Show full text]
  • Seed Germination and Early Seedling Survival of the Invasive Species Prosopis Juliflora (Fabaceae) Depend on Habitat and Seed Dispersal Mode in the Caatinga Dry Forest
    Seed germination and early seedling survival of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora (Fabaceae) depend on habitat and seed dispersal mode in the Caatinga dry forest Clóvis Eduardo de Souza Nascimento1,2, Carlos Alberto Domingues da Silva3,4, Inara Roberta Leal5, Wagner de Souza Tavares6, José Eduardo Serrão7, José Cola Zanuncio8 and Marcelo Tabarelli5 1 Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Trópico Semi-Árido, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brasil 2 Departamento de Ciências Humanas, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Juazeiro, Bahia, Brasil 3 Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Algodão, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil 4 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil 5 Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil 6 Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd. (APRIL), PT. Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP), Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau, Indonesia 7 Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil 8 Departamento de Entomologia/BIOAGRO, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil ABSTRACT Background: Biological invasion is one of the main threats to tropical biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Prosopis juliflora (Sw) DC. (Fabales: Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) was introduced in the Caatinga dry forest of Northeast Brazil at early 1940s and successfully spread across the region. As other invasive species, it may benefit from the soils and seed dispersal by livestock. Here we examine how seed Submitted 22 November 2018 Accepted 5 July 2020 dispersal ecology and soil conditions collectively affect seed germination, early Published 3 September 2020 seedling performance and consequently the P.
    [Show full text]
  • A Case Study on the Potential of the Multipurpose Prosopis Tree
    23 Underutilised crops for famine and poverty alleviation: a case study on the potential of the multipurpose Prosopis tree N.M. Pasiecznik, S.K. Choge, A.B. Rosenfeld and P.J.C. Harris In its native Latin America, the Prosopis tree (also known as Mesquite) has multiple uses as a fuel wood, timber, charcoal, animal fodder and human food. It is also highly drought-resistant, growing under conditions where little else will survive. For this reason, it has been introduced as a pioneer species into the drylands of Africa and Asia over the last two centuries as a means of reclaiming desert lands. However, the knowledge of its uses was not transferred with it, and left in an unmanaged state it has developed into a highly invasive species, where it encroaches on farm land as an impenetrable, thorny thicket. Attempts to eradicate it are proving costly and largely unsuccessful. In 2006, the problem of Prosopis was hitting the headlines on an almost weekly basis in Kenya. Yet amidst calls for its eradication, a pioneering team from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and HDRA’s International Programme set out to demonstrate its positive uses. Through a pilot training and capacity building programme in two villages in Baringo District, people living with this tree learned for the first time how to manage and use it to their benefit, both for food security and income generation. Results showed that the pods, milled to flour, would provide a crucial, nutritious food supplement in these famine-prone desert margins. The pods were also used or sold as animal fodder, with the first international order coming from South Africa by the end of the year.
    [Show full text]
  • In Western Australia
    Department of Agriculture and Food Situation statement: the ‘Prickle Bush’ Weeds (Mesquite, Parkinsonia and Prickly acacia) in Western Australia Jon Dodd, Andrew Reeves and Richard Watkins (Invasive Species Program, DAFWA) and Linda Anderson (Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee Inc.) November 2012 Prickle bush weeds situation statement Cover: Prickly acacia west of Wyndham. Photo by Tracey Vinnicombe, DAFWA IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Agriculture and Food and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it. Copyright © Western Australian Agriculture Authority, 2012 For copyright enquiries please contact the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia. Page 2 of 47 Prickle bush weeds situation statement Situation Statement on the Prickle bush weeds (Mesquite, Parkinsonia and Prickly acacia) in Western Australia TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 9 1.1 Purpose and scope ............................................................................................................................. 9 1.2 Links to DAFWA’s Invasive Species Strategy .......................................................................... 9 1.3 Ecological information .....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Case of Exploding Lantana and the Lessons It Can Teach Us
    GENERAL ARTICLE The Case of Exploding Lantana and the Lessons it Can Teach Us Ankila J Hiremath Invasive alien species are a growing conservation problem, worldwide. There are over 200 invasive plants in India, of which Lantana camara is one of the best known. This article looks at a brief history of Lantana’s arrival and spread across the Indian subcontinent and the lessons that conservation bi- ologists can learn from it. Living in an Age of Ecological Explosions Ankila Hiremath is an ecologist at the Ashoka Trust In 1958, the British zoologist, Charles Elton, published a book for Research in Ecology and based on a series of radio broadcasts [1]. In the book, he talked the Environment. She is interested in invasive species, about what he called ‘ecological explosions,’ referring to the fire, and ecological tremendous increase in the numbers of some organisms. Un- restoration. She works in the like the more commonly understood meaning of the term ‘explo- Banni grasslands of Kutch in sion,’ Elton qualified that ecological explosions happened gradu- Gujarat, and in the forests of Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple ally (and were not accompanied by a loud noise). Yet, they could Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. be equally devastating in their impacts, whether by affecting hu- man health, or bringing about ecological transformations, or even causing species extinctions. What Elton was worried about while talking about ecological ex- plosions was the mixing of species from different biogeographical realms – whether accidentally, or purposefully. Biogeographical realms are large regions of the Earth that roughly correspond to the continents. These realms are separated from each other by ge- ographical barriers, e.g., oceans or high mountains.
    [Show full text]
  • Mechanisms of Range Expansion and Removal of Mesquite in Desert Grasslands of the Southwestern United States
    United States Department Mechanisms of Range Expansion of Agriculture Forest Service and Removal of Mesquite in Desert Rocky Mountain Grasslands of the Southwestern Research Station General Technical United States Report RMRS-GTR-81 October 2001 Thomas B. Wilson Robert H. Webb Thomas L. Thompson Abstract ___________________________________________ Wilson, Thomas B.; Webb, Robert H.; Thompson, Thomas L. 2001. Mechanisms of range expansion and removal of mesquite in desert grasslands of the Southwestern United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-81. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 23 p. During the last 150 years, two species of mesquite trees in the Southwestern United States have become increasingly common in what formerly was desert grassland. These trees have spread from nearby watercourses onto relatively xeric upland areas, decreasing rangeland grass production. Management attempts to limit or reverse this spread have been largely unsuccessful. This paper reviews studies regarding mesquite natural history and management strategies, emphasizing studies published during the past decade. Mesquite possess a deep root system and are capable of fixing atmospheric N, rendering them capable of accessing resources unavailable to other plants in open rangeland. Their seeds, which remain viable for decades, have a hard exocarp and require scarification before germination. Consumption by cattle provides a means of scarification and seed dispersal, and is a major factor contributing to the spread of mesquite in open rangelands. Increases in atmospheric CO2 and winter precipitation during the past century also contribute to enhanced seed germination. Removal techniques have included herbicides, prescribed burning, grazing reduction, and mechanical removal.
    [Show full text]
  • Invasion of Prosopis Juliflora and Local Livelihoods Case Study from the Lake Baringo Area of Kenya
    Invasion of prosopis juliflora and local livelihoods Case study from the Lake Baringo area of Kenya Esther Mwangi and Brent Swallow Invasion of prosopis juliflora and local livelihoods: Case study from the Lake Baringo area of Kenya Esther Mwangi and Brent Swallow World Agroforestry Centre 2 LIMITED CIRCULATION Titles in the Working Paper Series aim to disseminate interim results on agroforestry research and practices and stimulate feedback from the scientific community. Other publication series from the World Agroforestry Centre include: Agroforestry Perspectives, Technical Manuals and Occasional Papers. Correct citation: Esther Mwangi & Brent Swallow, June 2005, Invasion of Prosopis juliflora and local livelihoods: Case study from the lake Baringo area of Kenya. ICRAF Working Paper – no. 3. Nairobi: World Agroforestry Centre Published by the World Agroforestry Centre Environmental Services Theme United Nations Avenue PO Box 30677, GPO 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254(0)20 7224000, via USA +1 650 833 6645 Fax: +254(0)20 7224001, via USA +1 650 833 6646 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.worldagroforestry.org © World Agroforestry Centre 2005 ICRAF Working Paper no. 3 The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the World Agroforestry Centre. Articles appearing in this publication may be quoted or reproduced without charge, provided the source is acknowledged. No use of this publication may be made for resale or other commercial purposes. All images remain the sole property of their source and may not be used for any purpose without written permission of the author. The geographic designation employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Agroforestry Centre concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
    [Show full text]
  • Mesquite (Prosopis Species) the Problem
    weeds of national significance Mesquite – Prosopis species G Current G Potential Mesquite (Prosopis species) The problem Mesquite is a Weed of National Significance. It is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts. There are four species and several hybrids Mesquite of Prosopis, which are all collectively known as mesquite. Mesquite’s economic impacts stem from its habit of forming dense, impenetrable – Prosopis thickets which, combined with its large thorns, prevent stock accessing watering holes and make mustering difficult. Mesquite also reduces the productivity of species pastoral country by taking over grasslands Mesquite can form impenetrable thickets, preventing access and reducing productivity of land. and using valuable water resources. Photo: CSIRO Other nuisances from mesquite include damage to animal hooves and vehicle branches extending outside the main tyres from thorns, and the poisoning canopy. Key points of livestock which consume excessive Mesquite leaves are fern-like. They occur • Mesquite, which includes four species and amounts of seed pods. at each point where the branch changes several hybrids, is one of four prickle bushes direction (the zig-zag) in groups of one Environmental impacts include land that have infestations scattered throughout to three pairs, often with one or two erosion resulting from the loss of semi-arid Australia. (See the back page for thorns. The greenish cream–yellow flowers grassland habitat that supports native more information.) are arranged on a cylindrical-shaped spike plants and animals; and the provision • It is a nuisance in rangelands where it forms which resembles a ‘lambs tail’, 50–80 mm dense impenetrable stands, particularly of safe refuges for feral animals such in length.
    [Show full text]